If You Happen to be in the Big 'Burgh- Fat Head's Saloon

1805 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh

Every once in a while a Suburghian girl treks to the big city for a bite to eat.  After spending a few hours at the Carnegie Science Museum, we had worked up an appetite and decided to head to Fat Head's Saloon for a big bite to eat and some brews.  I had been hearing the buzz about their new Flat Heads- panini-grilled wraps, and knew I had to try one for myself.
So, let's get to it.

From top to bottom:

• Fat Head's Saloon carries a rotating selection of 42 taps. Yes, 42 taps!  They typically offer about 4 drafts from their own brewery located in Cleveland, Ohio.  Since spring is in the air, I decided on a fruity, light beer- the Blue Point Blueberry Ale. I would describe it as like drinking blueberry muffins infused with beer. :)

• This is the famous Fat Head's Global Wall.  Patrons take their pics in Fat Head's gear from points all over the world. Take your pic, send it in, and invite your friends to take the Fat Head's Global 30 challenge.  ;)

• The Southside Flats Flat Head- Fat Head's is known for their overly generous portions of food, and this is still the case when you order a veghead option.  The Southside Flats is a panini-pressed wrap stuffed with perfectly marinated portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, spinach, sweet caramelized onions, and the signature ingredient- the garlic parm mayo.  The wrap usually comes with goat cheese, but I substituted mozzarella. As with all their sandwiches and wraps, it came with a heaping side of their homemade potato chips.

What you need to know before you go:

• Parking is metered along Carson Street during the day, so bring change.  There is also a pay parking lot directly across the street from Fat Head's.  You must pay to park there until 11pm, 7 days a week.  It does take credit cards.  Parking is free on most side streets if you can find a spot.  But pay attention to the parking restriction signs!
• Be prepared to wait.  There is almost always a wait at Fat Head's.  They do take your cell number, so you can explore Carson Street while waiting for your table- they will call you.  Or you could also just go to the bar and order a brew. ;)
• Once you have finished eating (or boxed up what you couldn't finish), make sure to visit the 6 Pack Shop, a beer carryout and Fat Head's gear shop located upstairs before you leave.

For hours, directions and a printable online menu, visit below:

http://fatheadspittsburgh.com/index.php

A Quick Bite in Suburghia- Original Baldy's Pizza

Last night was a let's order pizza and hunker down kind of a night.  It just so happened that we had the pleasure of meeting Angela Rullo, one of the owners of Original Baldy's Pizza and Rialto Cafe, yesterday afternoon before the first major downpour hit. 

So here is the lowdown... 
I ordered one of their signature pizzas, the Aunt Sue's Pizza.  (And yes, we did meet the actual Aunt Sue yesterday afternoon.)

The Aunt Sue is a sauceless pizza, but you don't really miss the sauce.  It comes topped with fresh tomato slices, roasted red peppers, sauteed green peppers, thick cut pepperoni, extra cheese, basil and LOTS of garlic. (Garlic fans- like me- will love this pizza!)  The crust was perfect- soft in the middle, crispy on the outside, with a little bubbly, baked cheese along the crust; not super doughy, but not really thin.  My only tiny gripe was the basil.  I was expecting leaves of fresh basil under the cheese, but the basil was actually dried flakes sprinkled over the top.  But overall, a pizza I would order again (and again, and again...). 

To order your own Aunt Sue, call 724-834-3600.  Baldy's is located at 25 West Otterman Street in downtown Greensburg.

A Warm Cup of Americana

114 North Main Street, Greensburg

Why did I pick The American Coffee Shop as my first local establishment to feature?  Well, I'll be honest.  I had a Groupon to spend. And it doesn't hurt that I am a huge fan of coffee.

So, let's get to it.

From top left, clockwise:

• I ordered the Salad Trio.  You get to choose your trio (and who doesn't like choices?)  What did I have? The garden salad, tuna salad, and the egg salad. All were excellent, but my fave was definitely the egg salad- very creamy, not dry, and made in house by owner MaryLynn Padgett.

• The entire coffee shop is decorated in Americana/Colonial period decor (thus, the name!).

• The selection of fresh roasted beans you can take home is amazing!  By far, this was my favorite thing about The American Coffee Shop.  Coffee beans are sold by the 1/2 lb and full lb.  MaryLynn keeps it local by ordering all of her coffee beans from Prestogeorge Coffee Roasting Company in the Strip District. You can't go wrong with flavors like Cinnamon Apple Pie and Chocolate Marshmallow.

• The Penny Bar!  You will have to visit the coffee shop to get the story on that one. ;)

What you need to know before you go:

• Parking is metered- bring change!
• Credit cards are accepted for purchases over $5.00 (Most lunch choices run around $5-6, so you should be safe.)
• Free Wi-fi is available.
• They serve breakfast & lunch, as well as coffees, and sweets, etc.
• Oh, and the Thin Mint Latte is delish! ;)

For hours, directions, and when music acts hit the coffee shop, visit below:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-American-Coffee-Shop/405122685550